PROPENSITY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'propensity' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning , penchant , and proclivity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leaning' instead of 'propensity'?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When can 'penchant' be used instead of 'propensity'?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When could 'proclivity' be used to replace 'propensity'?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

propensity

noun

prə-ˈpen(t)-sə-tē

Definition of propensity next

as in tendency

an established pattern of behavior the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inclination

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun propensity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning, penchant, and proclivity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of propensity?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When can penchant be used instead of propensity?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When could proclivity be used to replace propensity?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of propensity Self-Evaluation: Fascinatingly enough, current LLMs will acknowledge their propensity for hallucinations. —

Vall Herard, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 For Minnesota, which is dealing with some health issues as the Gophers head into their final four games prior to the holiday break, there has been an odd propensity to have to play from behind this season. —

Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2024 Kevin Cheveldayoff has a propensity for making big moves whenever the Jets are legitimate threats to win a playoff round or two. —

Murat Ates, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 In the election’s final weeks, the former President and his political operation have sought to activate low-to-mid propensity male voters, particularly young ones, with surgical precision to sweep him back into power. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for propensity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity

Noun

Another reason is the tendency for colleges and universities to place more emphasis on their history and legacy across generations, and at times an arrogant insistence that the future must defer to them.

David Rosowsky, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
But his theory seemed to mirror the temperament of Deng, who, for all his reformist tendencies, was a ruthless apparatchik.

Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024